New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suffered “only” a sprained left knee during Wednesday’s practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That’s the same knee Brady injured in the 2008 season opener — a torn anterior cruciate ligament — and caused him to miss the rest of the season.

The Patriots a contender to reach Super Bowl XLVIII in February were that close to Ryan Mallett. Or Tim Tebow.

The Indianapolis Colts finally have taken measures should something happen to Andrew Luck.

After gambling for 14 seasons that Peyton Manning would remain upright and available and not investing in a proven backup the Colts doled out a two-year $7.25 million contract for Matt Hasselbeck.

Yes the organization believes Hasselbeck 37 can impart occasional wisdom to Luck 23. He’s in his 15th season. He’s seen it all while appearing in 194 regular-season games starting 152. He was the Seattle Seahawks’ starter in Super Bowl XL when they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“His resume speaks for itself” coach Chuck Pagano said.

The investment in Hasselbeck though is more about the Colts preparing for a worst-case scenario.